Description
Build, repair, and restore masonry chimneys, flues, and fireplaces by laying brick, block, and refractory materials with mortar; install liners, crowns, caps, and flashing; ensure structural integrity, proper draft, code compliance, and weather resistance.
- • Lay plumb, true chimney stacks by building corner leads and running lines to guide each course.
- • Measure and mark chimney layouts, flue centers, and heights using levels, plumb bobs, and story poles.
- • Calculate offsets, flue transitions, and alignments for vertical and horizontal runs.
- • Anchor chimneys to structures with straps, ties, sleeves, or anchors; bond wythes and flue liners with mortar.
- • Cut bricks, firebrick, and blocks to fit crowns, throats, and flashing interfaces using trowel, hammer, or saw.
- • Tool joints and clean excess mortar for weather-tight, uniform finishes.
- • Read plans, elevations, and codes to determine chimney dimensions, clearances to combustibles, and material quantities.
- • Spread and butter mortar; parge smoke chambers and flue joints.
- • Mix masonry and refractory mortars to specified ratios for fireboxes, flues, and crowns.
- • Inspect chimneys for cracks, spalling, leaning, water intrusion, draft issues, and liner damage to determine repairs.
- • Prepare and clean work areas and substrates; remove soot, debris, and loose masonry.
- • Lay and align brick or block shafts; set clay or stainless flue liners and insulation; install dampers as required.
- • Demolish and remove damaged chimney sections, liners, or crowns using hand and power tools.
- • Install crowns, caps, waterproofing, and flashing; apply sealants or coatings to protect masonry.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
